Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (PS5) review: A chaotic blend of crime, comedy, and cannons

RGG Studio has never been shy about pushing its Like a Dragon series into unexpected territory, but Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a particularly fun spin-off that can come across as quite bonkers – and in a good way. The latest series isn’t just another crime saga; it’s a high-seas adventure with swashbuckling action, treasure hunts, and, somehow, ship-to-ship combat. On paper, it sounds like a bizarre detour for a franchise known for its urban drama and over-the-top brawls. In execution, it works surprisingly well – if you go in with the right expectations.

At the heart of this seafaring escapade is Goro Majima, our favourite wildcard who washes ashore on a tropical island with no memory of his past. This sets up a different kind of Like a Dragon narrative, one where Majima isn't just the unpredictable force of chaos we have come to love, but a man rediscovering himself. That’s not to say Pirate Yakuza is a heavy, introspective tale. It leans more into lighthearted adventure, filled with absurd encounters, ridiculous brawls, and a found-family dynamic that softens Majima’s usual mad dog persona. In many ways, it is a Like a Dragon game that we have all come to love.

The stakes here, however, feel lower than in a typical Like a Dragon game. There’s no political conspiracy or underworld power struggle – just a quest for a legendary treasure, the Esperanza, that takes Majima and his ragtag crew across vibrant islands and into trouble at every turn. The addition of young Noah, a key companion who acts as a catalyst for Majima’s more paternal side, adds a fresh dynamic. The game plays around with this in a way that doesn't feel forced, and while Majima isn’t about to start dispensing fatherly wisdom, his interactions with Noah offer a different angle to his character.

RGG Studio has always excelled at blending serious moments with absolute absurdity, and Pirate Yakuza is no exception. One moment, you’re deep in a heartfelt conversation about identity and redemption, and the next, you’re engaged in a brawl against a pirate gang with moves straight out of a wrestling match. It’s the kind of tonal whiplash that shouldn’t work but somehow does, largely thanks to the game’s sharp writing and Majima’s natural charisma.

Of course, the most hyped addition here is naval combat. It’s not exactly Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, but it gets the job done. The mechanics are simple and arcade-like, focusing on broadside cannon fire, ramming attacks, and an on-deck rocket launcher. The game doesn’t bog you down with realism – there’s no need to manage sails, account for wind direction, or manually repair hull damage beyond holding a button. Weather effects like whirlpools and lightning storms add some variety, but they’re more about spectacle than actual challenge. If you’re expecting a deep, tactical naval sim, you won’t find it here. What you do get is fast-paced, explosive ship battles that feel right at home in an RGG game – chaotic, exaggerated, and fun.

Your ship, the Goromaru, isn’t just for combat either. It serves as your mobile base, complete with a crew you can recruit and upgrade. Crew members play a role in deck battles, where large-scale brawls unfold in a style reminiscent of WWE’s Royal Rumble matches. You can also take them along for island excursions, which function as dungeon-style treasure hunts with light puzzle-solving and combat encounters. There’s enough variety here to keep things interesting, though it never gets too deep – like the naval combat, it’s designed to be accessible rather than overly complex.

For all its pirate trappings, Pirate Yakuza remains firmly a Like a Dragon game at its core. Combat on land sticks to the familiar action-brawler format, with Majima dishing out flashy, over-the-top beatdowns. He’s got a new move set tailored to the setting, incorporating swashbuckling swordplay alongside his usual unhinged acrobatics. There’s also the expected array of minigames and side activities, ranging from fishing to high-stakes gambling. The sheer amount of distractions packed into the game ensure there’s always something to do beyond the main story.

Visually, the game makes great use of its setting. The tropical islands are vibrant, with bustling ports, hidden coves, and sun-soaked beaches that make for a refreshing change from Kamurocho’s neon-lit streets. Character models and animations maintain the series’ high standard, with Majima’s expressions alone adding layers to his performance. The soundtrack leans into a mix of traditional Like a Dragon energy and pirate-themed orchestration, giving the game its own distinct flair.

Pirate Yakuza might not be the deep, sprawling crime drama that longtime fans expect, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a side story that doesn’t try to be anything more than a wildly entertaining adventure, and in that regard, it succeeds. The naval mechanics are simple but enjoyable, the story balances heartfelt moments with ridiculous antics, and Majima, as always, carries the experience with his magnetic presence. If you’re looking for a Like a Dragon game that dares to do something different while still retaining the series’ signature style, this is an easy recommendation.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

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